That sounds like a solid plan! Just wanted to add a couple quick tips from my experience: When you visit Workforce Solutions, ask specifically about their "Rapid Response" services too - they sometimes have additional resources for people who've exhausted UI benefits that aren't widely advertised. Also, if you do end up needing to call TWC, early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon seem to have shorter wait times. One more thing - if you're approved for EB, the first payment might take a bit longer to process, so don't panic if there's a delay. Keep us posted on how it goes! This community has been super helpful for navigating these situations.

I just wanted to jump in and share something that might help with your job search in medical billing - have you looked into remote positions with companies like Anthem, UnitedHealth Group, or smaller medical billing companies that have gone fully remote since COVID? I work in healthcare administration and I've noticed a lot more remote medical billing positions opening up, especially for people with your experience. Sites like FlexJobs and Remote.co often have medical billing roles that don't get posted on the regular job boards. Also, temp agencies like Robert Half and Adecco have been placing a lot of medical billing specialists in temp-to-perm positions lately. The key is highlighting any EHR systems you've worked with (Epic, Cerner, etc.) and any specific medical specialties you've billed for. Those details can really make your application stand out. Don't give up - your skills are definitely in demand, it's just about finding the right opportunity!

Just wanted to add that you should also keep track of exactly when your last teacher paycheck comes through - sometimes districts have slight variations in their final payment dates. Once that last check clears, make sure to note it because that's when you can expect to start receiving your full unemployment benefits (assuming you're still unemployed and eligible). Also, since you mentioned relocating within Texas, you might want to update your address with TWC once you move to avoid any mail delivery issues with important correspondence about your claim.

One more thing to keep in mind - make sure you're reporting your teacher salary on the correct weeks when you do your payment requests. TWC asks for earnings for the specific week being requested, so if you get paid every two weeks or monthly, you'll need to figure out which week(s) that paycheck covers. For example, if you get paid on the 15th for work periods that span multiple weeks, you'd report that income for the weeks it actually covers, not just the week you received the payment. This can get a bit tricky with teacher pay schedules, so keep good records of your pay stubs to make sure you're reporting accurately.

My disaster benefits werent even enough to cover my bills so maybe regular ui will be better?? Idk. This whole unemployment system is SO COMPLICATED. Why cant they just make it simple?? Good luck with everything!!

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when I called TWC yesterday, they told me to make sure I have my last day of work documented clearly - apparently they need to know the exact date you went from "temporary disaster-related work loss" to "permanent layoff" for their records. The agent also mentioned that if you worked any hours during your DUA period (like cleanup work or temporary shifts), you need to report those too when filing your regular UI claim. It can affect your base period calculation. Also heads up - they're apparently pretty backed up right now with Beryl-related claims so expect longer processing times than usual. Stay strong everyone, we'll get through this!

Based on your comments about having worked some small jobs since your last claim, I'd recommend filing a new initial claim immediately. Bring all documentation of those jobs - even if they were short-term. TWC will calculate if you've earned enough in your base period to qualify. Regarding your housing situation, contact your county's Health and Human Services department. Many counties have emergency housing assistance, especially if you're actively looking for work. As for your former employer, while they don't have to rehire you, if you believe their refusal is based on retaliation for filing unemployment or based on a protected characteristic (race, gender, age, disability, etc.), you might have grounds for a discrimination complaint. The Texas Workforce Commission's Civil Rights Division handles these types of complaints.

I went through something similar last year and it's really tough. One thing that helped me was applying for emergency rental assistance through 211 (just dial 2-1-1). They connected me with local programs that could help with hotel costs while I got back on my feet. Also, when you file that new claim, make sure to mention you're experiencing homelessness - TWC sometimes has expedited processing for people in crisis situations. Don't give up! It took me about 2 months to get everything sorted out but I eventually found something better than my old job anyway. Hang in there and keep us posted on how the new claim goes!

make sure hes doing his work searches!!! my friend got audited and had to pay back $$ because he didnt keep proof of all his job applications

I went through this exact same situation with TWC about 8 months ago when my retail job cut hours to basically nothing. Here's what I learned the hard way: Your first payment will definitely only cover ONE week because of the waiting week policy. Even though you'll certify for two weeks on Dec 10th, you won't get paid for that first week until much later in your claim (after you've collected benefits equal to 3x your weekly amount). One thing I wish someone had told me - the payment processing can sometimes take longer than the estimated date, especially around holidays. Don't panic if the Dec 18th deposit doesn't hit exactly on time. Mine was delayed by 2 days during Thanksgiving week. Also, start keeping a spreadsheet of ALL work search activities now. I used a simple Google Sheet with columns for date, company name, position applied for, and method (online, in person, etc.). TWC can audit you at any time and they want very specific documentation. Better to be over-prepared than scramble later! The uncertainty is really stressful but you're doing the right thing by planning ahead. Hang in there!